is this junior year schedule good enough for top schools?

Applying to College
1

AP Physics I and II - this is seen as the hardest class at my school, many brilliant students struggle in this
AP Chinese - shouldn’t be that hard. max 5 hours of homework a week, and school pays for me to do it online because there aren’t enough students at my school to have an actual Chinese teacher
AP Lang - I want to improve my writing for college essays. heard that it isn’t too bad, so I’m looking forward to learning :slight_smile:
AP Comp Sci A - no homework in this class! should be easy
Pre-Calc Honors - heard that it’s fast-paced, and I’m a slow learner, so I will definitely take more time with this class
Regular US History - never taken a regular class before, so this should be a breeze

I took WHAP, am currently taking AP Euro, and am deciding against taking APUSH so that I have time to focus more on extracurriculars, my other classes (I heard that physics is especially rough), and ACT prep. Also, history isn’t related to my major, so I don’t think this would really hurt me in the college admissions process.

Planned Major: something STEM-related, currently leaning towards computer science and engineering, also planning on minoring in business

Dream schools: UIUC, CMU, JHU, Georgia Tech, University of Waterloo (in Canada), UMich, Rice

Not sure if this is going to be enough considering the fact that other people are taking 5 or more APs their junior year.

2

If you are a slow learner for math and Physics 1 / 2 are each semester classes, they will kick your behind.

3

AP classes are necessary but you really don’t separate yourself from the rest.

Some important criteria every selective colleges are looking.

  • PSAT/SAT/ACT scores near 99th percentile national
  • GPA and Class Ranking near the top
  • Rigor classes = AP classes for Junior & Senior Year

Some considerations to Put You Over The Top. Essays, Interview, EC, Volunteer, Work

Good Luck,

4

@texaggie Thanks, I forgot to clarify that I was asking if I am doing enough in terms of class rigor, and am considering all those other things you mentioned too. I’m involved in several extracurricular activities and have begun ACT prep.

5

APs are great if you are going to get 4 or 5 otherwise no point taking them - also check on round pier

6

That’s a solid schedule but is there a way for you to take AP physics 1 OR 2?
Taking both in a year sounds excessive.
The rest is good.

7

@MYOS1634 No, my school only offers both AP Physics at once. It’s pretty difficult because no one at my school has previous knowledge of physics before taking AP Physics I and II, and we have to acquire double the amount of knowledge in half the time.

8

Does your school offer honors or regular physics?
AP Lang
Honors precalculus
AP Chinese
Regular or honors us history
Regular or honors physics
AP Comp science A

Would make for a very rigorous schedule.

9

@MYOS1634 They don’t offer honors us history or honors physics, which is why I am taking AP Physics and regular us history. I’m planning to major in STEM so it’s important that I take AP Physics since that’s probably the norm among STEM applicants.

10

True, but your school’s format will make it very hard for you. In that case (if you take AP physics) you’re right in taking regular history.
Will you be a junior?
If so, is there a possibility for you to take Physics senior year, and take another AP science junior year?

11

Yes, I will be a junior next year.
I will be able to take AP Physics I and II my senior year, but I would rather not because then none of my friends will be taking AP Physics at the same time as I am, so if I need help, then I wouldn’t be able to ask any of my friends. Also, I feel like it would be best to just get over it junior year because I am thinking about taking AP Physics C my senior year. What do you think?

12

If you plan on taking physics C then yes taking 1-2 junior year is necessary.
In that case your schedule as originally planned was excellent.

13

@MYOS1634 Thank you! I really appreciate your help :slight_smile:

14

The opinion that matters most is that of your guidance counselor. The top schools want to see the guidance counselor check the box saying that you have talent the most rigorous schedule available at your HS in his/her college recommendation. Meet with your guidance counselor and see if your proposed schedule (along with what you have already taken) would be sufficiently rigorous for him/her to check that box when the time comes.